Method and apparatus for ensuring air quality in a building, including method and apparatus for controlling a working device using a handheld unit having scanning, networking, display and input capability

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for transforming the air exchange load of a higher air exchange rate space into the air exchange load of a lower air exchange rate space, the apparatus including: a housing for mounting to a surface of the higher air exchange rate space; an air inlet formed in the housing; at least one air outlet formed in the housing; a passageway extending through the housing and connecting the air inlet to the at least one air outlet; a circulation fan disposed in the passageway so as to draw the air of the higher air exchange rate space into the air inlet, through the passageway, and return that air to the higher air exchange rate space through the at least one air outlet; and a filter disposed in the passageway for purging noxious substances from the air passing through the passageway.

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of prior U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/736,104, filed Jan. 7, 2020 by FIPAK ResearchAnd Development Company for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENSURING AIRQUALITY IN A BUILDING, INCLUDING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AWORKING DEVICE USING A HANDHELD UNIT HAVING SCANNING, NETWORKING,DISPLAY AND INPUT CAPABILITY, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,119,460, which patentis a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/640,725,filed Jul. 3, 2017 by FIPAK Research And Development Company for METHODAND APPARATUS FOR ENSURING AIR QUALITY IN A BUILDING, INCLUDING METHODAND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A WORKING DEVICE USING A HANDHELD UNITHAVING SCANNING, NETWORKING, DISPLAY AND INPUT CAPABILITY, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,528,014, which patent application is a continuation of prior U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/635,206, filed Mar. 2, 2015 by FIPAKResearch And Development Company for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENSURINGAIR QUALITY IN A BUILDING, INCLUDING METHOD AND APPARATUS FORCONTROLLING A WORKING DEVICE USING A HANDHELD UNIT HAVING SCANNING,NETWORKING, DISPLAY AND INPUT CAPABILITY, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,696,703,which patent application (i) is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/281,416, filed May 19, 2014 by FIPAKResearch And Development Company and Stephan Hauville et al. for METHODAND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AND ENSURING AIR QUALITY IN A BUILDING, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,986,427, which patent application claims benefit ofprior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/824,997, filed May18, 2013 by FIPAK Research And Development Company and Stephan Hauvilleet al. for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AIR IN A LABORATORYBUILDING; and (ii) claims benefit of prior U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/946,292, filed Feb. 28, 2014 by FIPAK ResearchAnd Development Company and Stephan Hauville et al. for METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR HANDLING AIR IN A LABORATORY BUILDING.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for ensuring air qualityin a building. Among other things, this invention relates to methods andapparatus for handling air in a laboratory space (or other buildingspace) where the presence of noxious substances (e.g., hazardouschemicals) would normally require an increased rate of air exchanges forthat laboratory space (or other building space) in order to ensure thecomfort and/or safety of the occupants. This invention also relates tomethods and apparatus for controlling a working device using a handheldunit having scanning, networking, display and input capability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern building codes require that the air in a room of a building becirculated a minimum number of times in a given period of time in orderto ensure the comfort and/or safety of the occupants, e.g., it is commonfor modern building codes to require a minimum of 2-4 air exchanges perhour for each room of the building.

However, in some areas of some buildings (e.g., laboratory spaces,hospital spaces, anatomy labs, animal care facilities, utility roomscontaining heating systems and the like, garages, locker rooms, etc.),the presence of noxious substances (e.g., hazardous chemicals) mayrequire a higher rate of air exchanges in order to ensure the comfortand/or safety of the occupants.

By way of example but not limitation, in a laboratory space wherechemicals are handled on the open bench, without the protection of afumehood, a higher rate of air exchanges (e.g., 8-12 air exchanges perhour) may be mandated in order to ensure the comfort and/or safety ofthe occupants. This higher rate of air exchanges is in addition to, andis not a substitute for, any fumehoods which may be provided in thelaboratory space.

It will be appreciated that the higher rate of air exchanges for theselaboratory spaces, while extremely important for the comfort and/orsafety of the occupants, are nonetheless expensive due to the energyloss associated with the air exchange process. More particularly, theair exchanges are typically effected using the ambient air outside thebuilding, and this outside ambient air must generally be conditioned(e.g., heated or cooled) before it is introduced into the laboratoryspace as replacement air for the laboratory space. This heating orcooling consumes energy, and energy is expensive. This is particularlytrue in colder and warmer climates, since more heating or cooling mustbe effected for the ambient outside air prior to introducing that airinto the laboratory space as replacement air.

In view of this, it will be appreciated that energy costs aresignificantly higher for laboratory spaces (and/or other buildingspaces) which require an increased rate of air exchanges (e.g., 8-12 airexchanges per hour) than for those rooms which do not require anincreased rate of air exchanges (e.g., only 2-4 air exchanges per hour).

Thus there is a need for a new approach for handling air in a laboratoryspace (and/or other building spaces) which would normally require anincreased rate of air exchanges (e.g., 8-12 air exchanges per hour), inorder to reduce the energy losses associated with the increased rate ofair exchanges.

In addition, working devices for ensuring air quality in a buildingtypically require an on-board display screen for allowing a user tooperate the working device. However, such on-board display screensgenerally increase the cost of the working device. Thus, there is also aneed for a new approach for controlling a working device withoutrequiring that the working device have an on-board display screen inorder to reduce the cost of the working device.

In addition, many other types of working devices typically require anon-board display screen for allowing a user to operate the workingdevice. However, such on-board display screens generally increase thecost of these working device. Thus, there is also a need for a newapproach for controlling other types of working devices withoutrequiring that the working device have an on-board display screen inorder to reduce the cost of the working device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new approach for handling air in alaboratory space (and/or other building spaces) which would normallyrequire an increased rate of air exchanges (e.g., 8-12 air exchanges perhour), in order to reduce the energy losses associated with theincreased rate of air exchanges. This is achieved by the provision anduse of a novel air treatment device which transforms the air exchangeload of a higher air exchange rate space into the air exchange load of alower air exchange rate space.

In addition, the present invention provides a new approach forcontrolling a working device of the sort normally requiring an on-boarddisplay screen for allowing a user to operate the working device. Moreparticularly, the present invention provides a novel method andapparatus for controlling the working device without requiring that theworking device have an on-board display screen. This is achieved by theprovision and use of a novel system which enables the working device tobe controlled using a handheld unit having scanning, networking, displayand input capability.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a new approach forcontrolling other types of working devices of the sort normallyrequiring an on-board display screen for allowing a user to operate theworking device. More particularly, the present invention provides anovel method and apparatus for controlling the working device withoutrequiring that the working device have an on-board display screen. Thisis achieved by the provision and use of a novel system which enables theworking device to be controlled using a handheld unit having scanning,networking, display and input capability.

In one preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatus fortransforming the air exchange load of a higher air exchange rate spaceinto the air exchange load of a lower air exchange rate space, saidapparatus comprising:

a housing for mounting to a surface of the higher air exchange ratespace;

an air inlet formed in said housing;

at least one air outlet formed in said housing;

a passageway extending through said housing and connecting said airinlet to said at least one air outlet;

a circulation fan disposed in said passageway so as to draw the air ofthe higher air exchange rate space into said air inlet, through saidpassageway, and return that air to the higher air exchange rate spacethrough said at least one air outlet; and

a filter disposed in said passageway for purging noxious substances fromthe air passing through said passageway, whereby to transform the airexchange load of a higher air exchange rate space into the air exchangeload of a lower air exchange rate space.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a methodfor handling the air exchange load of a higher air exchange rate spacein a building having an air exchange system, said method comprising:

providing apparatus for transforming the air exchange load of a higherair exchange rate space into the air exchange load of a lower airexchange rate space, said apparatus comprising:

-   -   a housing for mounting to a surface of the higher air exchange        rate space;    -   an air inlet formed in said housing;    -   at least one air outlet formed in said housing;    -   a passageway extending through said housing and connecting said        air inlet to said at least one air outlet;    -   a circulation fan disposed in said passageway so as to draw the        air of the higher air exchange rate space into said air inlet,        through said passageway, and return that air to the higher air        exchange rate space through said at least one air outlet; and    -   a filter disposed in said passageway for purging noxious        substances from the air passing through said passageway;

positioning said apparatus in the higher air exchange rate space, andoperating said apparatus so as to transform the air exchange load of ahigher air exchange rate space into the air exchange load of a lower airexchange rate space; and

operating the air exchange system of the building so as to provide alower air exchange rate to the higher air exchange rate space.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a methodfor wirelessly controlling a working device using a handheld unit, saidmethod comprising:

connecting said working device to a central server by a network, whereinsaid working device is uniquely identified on said network by anassigned network address, and further wherein said working device andsaid central server are configured so that said central server canreceive data concerning operation of said working device, and controloperation of said working device, via said network;

positioning a device-specific identification marker at said workingdevice, wherein said device-specific identification marker is linked tosaid assigned network address of said working device;

scanning said device-specific identification marker with said handheldunit, whereby to identify said working device and said assigned networkaddress linked to said working device; and

using said handheld unit to cause said central server to communicatewith and control said working device at said assigned network address,whereby to allow the user to control operation of said working devicevia said handheld device and/or to receive data concerning said workingdevice from said central server.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a systemcomprising:

a working device connected to a central server by a network, whereinsaid working device is uniquely identified on said network by anassigned network address, and further wherein said working device andsaid central server are configured so that said central server canreceive data concerning operation of said working device, and controloperation of said working device, via said network;

a device-specific identification marker disposed at said working device,wherein said device-specific identification marker is linked to saidassigned network address of said working device; and

a handheld unit having scanning, networking, display and inputcapability, such that said handheld unit can scan said device-specificidentification marker, connect to said central server via said network,identify said working device and said assigned network address linked tosaid working device, and cause said central server to communicate withand control said working device at said assigned network address,whereby to allow the user to control operation of said working devicevia said handheld device and/or to receive data concerning said workingdevice from said central server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the present invention will bemore fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is tobe considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein likenumbers refer to like parts, and further wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a novel air treatment device formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one preferred filter which may be used inthe novel air treatment device shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another novel air treatment device formedin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of still another novel air treatment deviceformed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5-8 are schematic views of yet another novel air treatment deviceformed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9-17 are schematic views of another novel air treatment deviceformed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing another novel air treatment deviceformed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the novel airtreatment device comprises an on-board display screen;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing another novel air treatment deviceformed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the novel airtreatment device omits an on-board display screen and instead providesthe novel air treatment device with a device-specific QR code;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic views showing the device-specific QR codebeing generated for a novel air treatment device; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing the device-specific QR code beingused in order to allow a handheld unit having scanning, networking,display and input capability to communicate with and control the workingdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Method and Apparatusfor Transforming the Air Exchange Load of a Higher Air Exchange Spaceinto the Air Exchange Load of a Lower Air Exchange Space

The present invention provides a new approach for handling air in alaboratory space (and/or other building spaces) which would normallyrequire an increased rate of air exchanges (e.g., 8-12 air exchanges perhour), in order to reduce the energy losses associated with theincreased rate of air exchanges.

More particularly, the present invention provides a novel air treatmentdevice which purges noxious substances (e.g., hazardous chemicals) fromthe air of a laboratory space (and/or other building spaces such ashospital spaces, anatomy labs, animal care facilities, utility roomscontaining heating systems and the like, garages, locker rooms, etc.).The novel air treatment device is installed in a laboratory space(and/or other building spaces) which would normally require an increasedrate of air exchanges (e.g., 8-12 air exchanges per hour) in order toallow the laboratory space (and/or other building spaces) to be operatedat a reduced rate of air exchanges (e.g., 2-4 air exchanges per hour)while still ensuring the comfort and safety of the occupants. Thus, byusing the novel air treatment device of the present invention in alaboratory space (and/or other building spaces) which would normallyrequire an increased rate of air exchanges, the rate of air exchangesfor the laboratory space (and/or other building spaces) may be reduced,whereby to reduce the energy losses associated with the air exchangeprocess.

In one form of the invention, and looking now at FIG. 1 , there isprovided a novel air treatment device 5 which comprises a housing 10which is preferably secured to the ceiling of a laboratory space (and/orother building spaces such as hospital spaces, anatomy labs, animal carefacilities, utility rooms containing heating systems and the like,garages, locker rooms, etc.). Housing 10 defines an air inlet 15, atleast one air outlet 20, and a passageway 25 extending through housing10 and connecting air inlet 15 with the at least one air outlet 20. Acirculation fan 30 is disposed in passageway 25 so as to draw the air ofa laboratory space (and/or other building spaces such as hospitalspaces, anatomy labs, animal care facilities, utility rooms containingheating systems and the like, garages, locker rooms, etc.) into airinlet 15, move that air through passageway 25, and then return that airto the laboratory space (and/or other building spaces such as hospitalspaces, anatomy labs, animal care facilities, utility rooms containingheating systems and the like, garages, locker rooms, etc.) through theat least one air outlet 20. Air inlet 15, the at least one air outlet20, passageway 25 and circulation fan 30 are configured so as to ensurethat substantially all of the air in a given space is circulated throughnovel air treatment device 5 on a regular and frequent basis.

In accordance with the present invention, novel air treatment device 5includes a filter 35 which is adapted for purging noxious substances(e.g., hazardous chemicals) from air. More particularly, filter 35 isdisposed in passageway 25 so that air from a laboratory space (and/orother building spaces such as hospital spaces, anatomy labs, animal carefacilities, utility rooms containing heating systems and the like,garages, locker rooms, etc.), passing through passageway 25, is filteredby filter 35, whereby to remove noxious substances (e.g., hazardouschemicals) from the air of the laboratory space (and/or other buildingspaces). Thus, novel air treatment device 5 draws in the air of thelaboratory space (and/or other building spaces), filters that air so asto purge noxious substances (e.g., hazardous chemicals) from the air,and then returns the filtered air back to the laboratory space (and/orother building spaces), with substantially no loss of air and,significantly, with substantially no change in the heat content of theair.

As a result, inasmuch as novel air treatment device 5 removes noxioussubstances (e.g., hazardous chemicals) from the air of the laboratoryspace (and/or other building spaces such as hospital spaces, anatomylabs, animal care facilities, utility rooms containing heating systemsand the like, garages, locker rooms, etc.), the rate of air exchangesfor that laboratory space (and/or other building spaces) may be reducedfrom the increased rate of air exchanges (e.g., 8-12 air exchanges perhour) normally associated with that laboratory space (and/or otherbuilding spaces) to the “normal” rate of air exchanges (e.g., 2-4 airexchanges per hour) for a standard room in the building. In this way,the air exchange rate for a laboratory space (and/or other buildingspaces) which would traditionally require a higher rate of air exchanges(e.g., 8-12 air exchanges per hour) may be reduced to that of a roomrequiring a standard rate of air exchanges (e.g., 2-4 air exchanges perhour), whereby to significantly reduce the energy losses associated withthe air exchanges.

In essence, novel air treatment device 5 effectively transforms the “airexchange load” of a “higher air exchange rate space” (e.g., onerequiring 8-12 air exchanges per hour) into the “air exchange load” of a“lower air exchange rate space” (e.g., one requiring 2-4 air exchangesper hour), whereby to significantly reduce the energy losses associatedwith the air exchange process, while still ensuring the comfort and/orsafety of the occupants.

Significantly, in addition to providing a reduction in the energy lossesassociated with the air exchange process, novel air treatment device 5also provides higher quality air for the occupants of the laboratoryspace (and/or other building spaces such as hospital spaces, anatomylabs, animal care facilities, utility rooms containing heating systemsand the like, garages, locker rooms, etc.). This is because novel airtreatment device 5 actively purges noxious substances (e.g., hazardouschemicals) from the air of the laboratory space (and/or other buildingspaces), rather than simply diluting them with an increased rate of airexchange.

As discussed above, filter 35 is designed to purge noxious substances(e.g., hazardous chemicals) from the laboratory space air. Moreparticularly, filter 35 is configured to remove chemicals from the airof the laboratory space, wherein those chemicals may comprisenon-particulates, including fumes, vapors, volatiles, etc. In onepreferred form of the invention, filter 35 is configured to remove atleast one of solvents, acids and bases from the air of the laboratoryspace. In one particularly preferred form of the invention, filter 35 isconfigured to remove at least two of solvents, acids and bases from theair of the laboratory space.

Filter 35 may be of the sort commonly utilized in ductless fumehoods.Preferably filter 35 is a Neutrodine® filter of the sort sold by Erlabof Rowley, Mass., USA (see FIG. 2 ), which is a cassette-based,multi-stage filter capable of simultaneously handling a multitude ofdifferent chemical families, e.g., solvents, acids and bases. If filter35 is not a cassette-based, multi-stage filter, it may comprise severalindependent filters arranged in series so as to ensure effective purgingof noxious substances (e.g., hazardous chemicals).

It will be appreciated that one or more novel air treatment devices 5may be used for each laboratory space (and/or other building spaces suchas hospital spaces, anatomy labs, animal care facilities, utility roomscontaining heating systems and the like, garages, locker rooms, etc.),depending upon the size of the laboratory space (and/or other buildingspaces) and the capacity of novel air treatment device 5. Thus, forexample, in a typical chemistry laboratory of 1000 square feet, fivenovel air treatment devices 5 may be provided to service the laboratoryspace.

In one preferred form of the invention, novel air treatment device 5includes one or more sensors 40 (FIG. 1 ) for monitoring proper functionof the operational elements of the novel air treatment device (e.g.,circulation fan 30 and filter 35, etc.), and these sensors 40 arepreferably connected (e.g., by wire or wireless communication 41) to amonitoring system 42 for activating an alarm 43 (e.g., an audible alarmand/or a visual, light-based alarm) in the event that proper function ofthe operational elements (e.g., circulation fan 30 and filter 35, etc.)is interrupted.

Alternatively, or additionally, sensors 40 may be connected (e.g., bywire or wireless communication 41) to the master air control system 44for the building. In the event that proper function of one or more ofthe operational elements (e.g., circulation fan 30, filter 35, etc.) ofone or more novel air treatment device(s) 5 is interrupted, master aircontrol system 44 for the building can automatically increase the rateof air exchanges for the affected laboratory space (and/or otherbuilding spaces such as hospital spaces, anatomy labs, animal carefacilities, utility rooms containing heating systems and the like,garages, locker rooms, etc.), e.g., from the “normal” rate of airexchanges (e.g., 2-4 air exchanges per hour) to the higher rate of airexchanges (e.g., 8-12 air changes per hour), whereby to ensure thecomfort and/or safety of the occupants of that laboratory space (and/orother building spaces).

In one preferred form of the invention, novel air treatment device 5 ismounted to the ceiling of the laboratory space (and/or other buildingspaces such as hospital spaces, anatomy labs, animal care facilities,utility rooms containing heating systems and the like, garages, lockerrooms, etc.), so that the novel air treatment device does not interferewith normal space function and has ready access to the air in thelaboratory space (and/or other building spaces). Note that where thelaboratory space (and/or other building spaces) has a “drop-down”ceiling, a portion of novel air treatment device 5 may protrude up intothe region above the “drop-down” ceiling.

Alternatively, novel air treatment device 5 may be configured to bemounted to a wall of the laboratory space (and/or other buildingspaces), or to both the ceiling and a wall of the laboratory space(and/or other building spaces).

Also, novel air treatment device 5 can be free-standing, e.g., housing10 may be mounted to a base which sits on the floor of the laboratoryspace (and/or other building spaces).

Significantly, the present invention provides a new approach formonitoring the air quality in a building, and particularly formonitoring the air quality in building spaces where noxious substances(e.g., hazardous chemicals) may be present, and for advising personnelin the event of possible issues with the air quality in those spaces. Tothis end, novel air treatment device 5 preferably further comprises asensor 46 for monitoring the air quality of the ambient air in thelaboratory space (and/or other building spaces). Sensor 46 is preferablyconnected (e.g., by wire or wireless communication 41) to monitoringsystem 42 for activating alarm 43 (e.g., an audible alarm and/or avisual light-based alarm) in the event that the air quality of theambient air in the laboratory space (and/or other building spaces)should deteriorate below a predetermined air quality level.

If desired, in order to give novel air treatment device 5 a “weightless”appearance on the ceiling of the laboratory space (and/or other buildingspaces), and looking now at FIG. 3 , novel air treatment device 5 mayhave a dark base 45 at the portions where it attaches to the ceiling ofthe laboratory space (and/or other building spaces), and a band of light50 set about the perimeter portion of novel air treatment device 5 whichprojects into the laboratory space (and/or other building spaces). Thisband of light 50 may be purely decorative, e.g., it may be a light bluelight to create a desired ambience for the laboratory space (and/orother building spaces); or the band of light 50 may be functional, e.g.,it may be a “white” light to provide illumination for the laboratoryspace (and/or other building spaces).

Furthermore, this band of light 50 may comprise a continuous band oflight such as is shown in FIG. 3 , or it may comprise an interruptedband of light created by a plurality of point sources 55 (e.g., LEDlights) such as is shown in FIG. 4 .

In addition, if desired, band of light 50 may be informational, e.g.,band of light 50 may have one color (e.g., blue) if novel air treatmentdevice 5 is functioning properly and/or if the air quality of theambient air in the laboratory space (and/or other building spaces)remains above a predetermined air quality level; and band of light 50may have another color (e.g., red) if the novel air treatment device isnot functioning properly and/or if the air quality of the ambient air inthe laboratory space (and/or other building spaces) deteriorates below apredetermined air quality level. Thus, in this form of the invention,band of light 50 may serve the same purpose as a visual, light-basedalarm 43 (and, in this form of the invention, band of light 50 may becontrolled by monitoring system 42, which is connected to sensors 40 andsensors 46).

In one preferred form of the invention, novel air treatment device 5 hasits sensors 40 and sensors 46 connected to monitoring system 42, andmonitoring system 42 is connected to a visual alarm 43 and/or band oflight 50, and monitoring system 42 is programmed to change the state ofalarm 43 and/or band of light 50, in the event that (i) the operationalelements (e.g., circulation fan 30, filter 35, etc.) of novel airtreatment device 5 are not functioning properly, or (ii) the air qualityof the ambient air in the laboratory space (and/or other buildingspaces) should deteriorate below a predetermined air quality level. Inthis way, a person located in the laboratory space (and/or otherbuilding spaces) will know, simply by observing the state of alarm 43and/or band of light 50, if the novel air treatment device requiresservicing (e.g., to change a depleted filter 35, etc.) and/or if the airquality of the ambient air in the laboratory space (and/or otherbuilding spaces) has deteriorated below a predetermined air qualitylevel. In this respect it will also be appreciated that, by placingnovel air treatment device 5 on the ceiling of the laboratory space(and/or other building spaces), and by extending band of light 50 aboutthe entire perimeter of housing 10 (or at least substantial portionsthereof), a person located substantially anywhere in the laboratoryspace (and/or other building spaces) will generally have a direct lineof sight to band of light 50 of novel air treatment device 5, whereby tobe quickly and easily informed as to the operational status of novel airtreatment device 5 and the air quality of the ambient air in thelaboratory space (and/or other building spaces).

Alternatively, and/or additionally, novel air treatment device 5 may beconfigured so that band of light 50 may be continuously on if novel airtreatment device 5 is functioning properly, and blinking if the novelair treatment device is not functioning properly.

FIGS. 5-8 show another preferred construction for novel air treatmentdevice 5. In the construction shown in FIGS. 5-8 , filter 35 is receivedin a “drop down” tray 60 which is hingedly connected to housing 10,i.e., when filter 35 is to be replaced, “drop down” tray 60 is loweredfrom housing 10, a new filter 35 is loaded, and then “drop down” tray 60is reset into housing 10.

FIGS. 9-17 show still another preferred construction for novel airtreatment device 5.

Method and Apparatus for Controlling Air Treatment Device 5 Using aHandheld Unit Having Scanning, Networking, Display and Input Capability

In the preceding section, there is disclosed a novel air treatmentdevice 5 for handling air in a laboratory space, where the laboratoryspace would normally require an increased rate of air exchanges (e.g.,8-12 air exchanges per hour) in order to ensure the comfort and/orhealth of the occupants, but with the provision of novel air treatmentdevice 5, the rate of air exchanges for the laboratory space may bereduced (e.g., to 4 air exchanges per hour), whereby to reduce theenergy losses associated with the air exchange process.

As noted above, novel air treatment device 5 may be connected (e.g., bywire or wireless communication) to a monitoring system (e.g., in thelaboratory building or off-site) for activating an alarm in the eventthat proper function of the operational elements of novel air treatmentdevice 5 (e.g., circulation fan 30, filter 35, etc.) is interrupted.

As also noted above, novel air treatment device 5 may be connected tomaster air control system 44 for the laboratory building such that, inthe event that proper function of the operational elements of novel airtreatment device 5 (e.g., circulation fan 30, filter 35, etc.) isinterrupted, master air control system 44 for the laboratory buildingcan automatically increase the rate of air exchanges provided for thatlaboratory space, from the previous rate of air exchanges (e.g., 4 airexchanges per hour) to a higher rate of air exchanges (e.g., 8-12 airexchanges per hour).

In one form of the present invention, and looking now at FIG. 18 , novelair treatment device 5 may comprise an on-board display screen 100 fordisplaying information relating to novel air treatment device 5 (e.g.,the on/off status of circulation fan 30, the high/medium/low operatingspeed of circulation fan 30, the functional/non-functional status offilter 35, the remaining useful life of filter 35, etc.). On-boarddisplay screen 100 may be a “passive” display screen or, if desired,on-board display screen 100 may be a touchscreen display such thatoperational commands can be provided to novel air treatment device 5 viaon-board display screen 100.

If desired, where novel air treatment device 5 is connected (by wire orwireless communication) to a central control system 103 (e.g., in thelaboratory building or off-site), central control system 103 may be usedto monitor the status of novel air treatment device 5 and/or to provideoperational commands to novel air treatment device 5. By way of examplebut not limitation, novel air treatment device 5 may be connected (bywire or wireless communication) to a central control system 103 locatedwithin the laboratory building. By way of further example but notlimitation, novel air treatment device 5 may be connected (by wire orwireless communication) to a central control system 103 locatedoff-site, e.g., novel air treatment device 5 may be connected via theInternet to a central control system 103 located thousands of miles awayfrom novel air treatment device 5. In still another form of the presentinvention, central control system 103 may be incorporated directly intonovel air treatment device 5. In this respect it will be appreciatedthat having the central control system within novel air treatment device5 offers the advantage of having a complete standalone and autonomousworking device which acts as its own web server platform embedded rightinto the working device's own central processing unit which allows, oncethe QR code is scanned (see below), a handheld device to take fullcontrol of that working device which, in the end, may or may not have torely solely on central servers located either inside or outside thebuilding.

In connection with the foregoing, it should be appreciated that aplurality of novel air treatment devices 5 (located at one or morelocations) may be connected to a single central control system 103 or tomultiple central control systems 103.

As noted above, the provision of an on-board display screen 100generally increases the cost of novel air treatment device 5.

To address this, the present invention provides a new approach forcontrolling novel air treatment device 5 without requiring that novelair treatment device 5 have an on-board display screen. This is achievedby the provision and use of a novel system which enables the novel airtreatment device 5 to be controlled using a handheld unit havingscanning, networking, display and input capability.

In one preferred form of the present invention, novel air treatmentdevice 5 is connected to a central control system 103 (e.g., a centralserver) via the Internet, and novel air treatment device 5 is providedwith a device-specific QR code. In this form of the invention, novel airtreatment device 5 may omit an on-board display screen 100, and thenovel air treatment device 5 may be controlled using a handheld unithaving scanning, networking, display and input capability.

More particularly, in this form of the invention, and looking now atFIG. 19 , novel air treatment device 5 is connected (e.g., by wire orwireless communication) to a central control system 103 (e.g., a centralserver) via the Internet, and novel air treatment device 5 is providedwith a label 105 carrying a device-specific QR code 110 which is capableof being machine-read (e.g., scanned) by a handheld unit 115 havingscanning, networking, display and input capability (e.g., a smartphone,a tablet, a smartwatch, smart glasses, a laptop, etc.). In this form ofthe invention, novel air treatment device 5 reports its operationalstatus (e.g., the on/off status of circulation fan 30, thehigh/medium/low operating speed of circulation fan 30, thefunctional/non-functional status of filter 35, the remaining useful lifeof filter 35, etc.) to central control system 103 (e.g., a centralserver) via the Internet. Central control system 103 (e.g., a centralserver) can then monitor novel air treatment device 5 for properfunction. Central control system 103 (e.g., a central server) can alsoprovide operational commands to novel air treatment device 5 so as tocontrol operation of novel air treatment device 5. Furthermore, userscan access central control system 103 (e.g., a central server) via anetwork such as the Internet in order to monitor the operational statusof novel air treatment device 5 and/or to provide operational commandsto novel air treatment device 5.

Significantly, a user located adjacent to novel air treatment device 5can obtain information relating to novel air treatment device 5 (e.g.,the on/off status of circulation fan 30, the high/medium/low operatingspeed of circulation fan 30, the functional/non-functional status offilter 35, the remaining useful life of filter 35, etc.) even thoughnovel air treatment device 5 lacks an on-board display screen. Moreparticularly, in order to obtain information relating to a specificnovel air treatment device 5, the user can simply scan thedevice-specific QR code 110 associated with that specific novel airtreatment device 5 using a handheld unit 115 having scanning,networking, display and input capability (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet,a smartwatch, smart glasses, a laptop, etc.). If desired, the handheldunit 115 can be configured (i.e., by appropriate software) toautomatically open a web browser or other application or software forfacilitating communication between handheld unit 115 and central controlsystem 103 upon scanning of device-specific QR code 110. Thedevice-specific QR code 110 assigned to that novel air treatment device5 is then automatically transmitted by the handheld unit 115 to centralcontrol system 103 (e.g., the central server), which then pushes theoperating information associated with the specific novel air treatmentdevice 5 linked to that device-specific QR code (i.e., the operatinginformation associated with that particular novel air treatment device5) back to the handheld unit. This operating information for novel airtreatment device 5 is then displayed to the user on the display screenof handheld unit 115.

In addition, and significantly, once the device-specific QR code 110 forthat particular novel air treatment device 5 has been used to establisha link between the handheld unit 115 and novel air treatment device 5via central control system 103 (e.g., the central server), the handheldunit can then be used to provide operational commands to the novel airtreatment device 5 (i.e., by sending operational commands from handheldunit 115 to central control system 103, which in turn relays thoseoperational commands to the specific novel air treatment device 5).

Thus it will be seen that, in this form of the invention, by linking thehandheld unit 115 to a specific novel air treatment device via thedevice-specific QR code for that particular novel air treatment device,the display screen of a handheld unit 115 having scanning, networking,display and input capability (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, asmartwatch, smart glasses, a laptop, etc.) effectively becomes thedisplay screen for that novel air treatment device 5. This allowson-board display screen 100 to be omitted from novel air treatmentdevice 5, which can result in substantial cost savings for themanufacturer.

Example of Novel Air Treatment Device 5 Incorporating the AforementionedQR Code Communication Procedure

To start the process of assigning a device-specific QR code 110 to aspecific novel air treatment device 5 and linking that specific novelair treatment device 5 to a central control system 103, novel airtreatment device 5 is first connected to a network (e.g., the Internet).This requires that a network address (i.e., IP address) be assigned tothat novel air treatment device 5, and a device-specific QR code 110 begenerated which identifies that specific novel air treatment device 5and its IP address. To this end, each novel air treatment device 5 istagged with an initial QR code at the time of manufacture or shipping.At the time of installation, the user scans this initial QR code with ahandheld unit 115 having scanning, networking, display and inputcapability (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet, a smartwatch, smart glasses,a laptop, etc.). Using the scanned initial QR code, the networkinginterface (e.g., the web browser) of the handheld unit 115 can be usedto display an Internet page (i.e., a web page) to the user, where all ofthe configuration information for novel air treatment device 5 isexplained. Among other things, this Internet page explains how to editand print a device-specific QR code 110 that corresponds to the IPaddress assigned to that particular novel air treatment device 5. Then,knowing the assigned IP address of the particular novel air treatmentdevice 5, the web page provides a tool to print a device-specific QRcode that points to that device's assigned IP address. Thisdevice-specific QR code is then mounted to a surface of novel airtreatment device 5 (or in the vicinity of novel air treatment device 5).Thereafter, when the device-specific QR code is scanned by a handheldunit 115 having scanning, networking, display and input capability(e.g., a smart phone, tablet, etc.), the networking interface (e.g., theweb browser) of the handheld unit 115 is automatically directed tocentral control system 103 (e.g., the central server), which thendisplays information about that novel air treatment device 5 on handheldunit 115, and allows control of the different operating parameters ofnovel air treatment device 5 (e.g., fan speed, sensor settings, etc.)via the handheld unit 115.

By way of example but not limitation, the following is one specificexample of the set-up and operation of the QR code communicationprocedure for novel air treatment device 5.

1. Assign the Device-Specific IP Address to the Novel Air TreatmentDevice 5.

Connect a computer 120 (FIG. 20 ) directly to a novel air treatmentdevice 5, e.g., with a RJ45 cable 125. This is done by directing thecomputer's web browser to an appropriate IP address (e.g.,192.168.0.100) so as to access the internal settings of novel airtreatment device 5.

Then, in the device “Settings” menu, enter the IP address which is to beassigned to that specific novel air treatment device 5 by the network towhich novel air treatment device 5 is connected. Press “Update” toassign the IP Address to that specific novel air treatment device 5.

Press “Reboot” to restart that specific novel air treatment device 5with the assigned IP address configuration. Disconnect the RJ45 cablefrom the computer and connect the novel air treatment device 5 to thenetwork.

2. Edit and Print the Device-Specific QR Code for that Novel AirTreatment Device 5.

Looking now at FIG. 21 , the initial QR code (placed on novel airtreatment device 5 at the time of manufacture or shipping) is scannedwith a handheld unit 115 having scanning, networking, display and inputcapability (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, smart glasses, alaptop, etc.) and handheld unit 115 connects to an appropriate QRcode-generating website (e.g., http://goqr.me/#t=url).

Enter http://and the assigned device-specific IP address of thatspecific novel air treatment device 5 (for example,http://192.168.0.200, which is a default address) in the “WebsiteAddress” field.

Click on the “Download” button and then click on the “PNG” button.

Print the generated QR code (e.g., qrcode.png) picture with a minimalsize of 2 cm×2 cm. Mount the generated QR code 110 on novel airtreatment device 5 (or close to it).

3. Communicate with and Control Novel Air Treatment Device 5.

Use a handheld unit 115 having scanning, networking, display and inputcapability (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, smart glasses, alaptop, etc.) to scan the device-specific QR Code 110 (FIG. 22 ) toautomatically access the device-specific information and controls forthat specific novel air treatment device 5 via central control system103 (e.g., the central server). The handheld unit 115 having scanning,networking, display and input capability (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet,a smartwatch, smart glasses, a laptop, etc.) receives thedevice-specific information and controls for that specific novel airtreatment device 5 from central control system 103 (e.g., the centralserver) and displays information about that particular novel airtreatment device 5 on handheld unit 115, and allows the operation (e.g.,fan speed, sensor settings, etc.) of that specific novel air treatmentdevice 5 to be set by the user using the handheld unit 115 havingscanning, networking, display and input capability (e.g., a smartphone,a tablet, a smartwatch, smart glasses, a laptop, etc.).

Using the Aforementioned QR Code Communication Procedure to ControlOther Working Devices Using a Handheld Unit Having Scanning, Networking,Display and Input Capability

In the preceding sections, there is disclosed a novel QR codecommunication procedure for allowing a handheld unit having scanning,networking, display and input capability to act in place of the on-boarddisplay screen of a novel air treatment device 5. However, it shouldalso be appreciated that the same novel QR code communication procedurecan be used to allow a handheld unit having scanning, networking,display and input capability to act in place of the on-board displayscreen of devices other than a novel air treatment device 5, e.g., thesame novel QR code communication procedure can be used to allow ahandheld device to act in place of the on-board display screen of afumehood, or to act in place of the on-board display screen of otherair-handling equipment, or to act in place of the on-board displayscreen of other working devices. By way of example but not limitation,such other working devices may comprise a household device (e.g., atelevision, a refrigerator, a stove or microwave oven, a heating and airconditioning system, etc.), a vending machine, a ticket kiosk, amanufacturing machine, a robot, a vehicle, etc.

Thus it will be seen that the present creation allows for a simplifiedhuman-machine interface which can eliminate the need for traditionalon-board display screens and/or controls by providing a fast and simplemanner in which an appropriate handheld unit can provide thefunctionality previously provided by an on-board display screen. When aworking device is coupled to a product-supporting server via the novelQR code communication procedure of the present invention, the user canthen simply, and automatically, access an information-rich environmentvia the QR code gateway system (i.e., a QR code accessed centralserver), using their personal handheld unit having scanning, networking,display and input capability (e.g., their personal smartphone, tablet,smartwatch, smart glasses, laptop, etc.), whereby to obtain informationabout the working device and/or assume operational control of theworking device.

Thus, due to the increasing network connectivity of working devices andthe broad adoption of handheld units having scanning, networking,display and input capability (e.g., smartphones, tablets, smartwatches,smart glasses, laptops, etc.), users already have on their person thepotential to communicate (via their personal handheld unit) with andcontrol working devices which would normally be provided with anon-board display screen. The advantage is that the working devices cannow omit the complex and expensive on-board display screen and/orcontrols previously required.

With the present invention, every user can use one display screen (i.e.,the display screen on their personal handheld unit) to control anynumber of working devices, and this can be done conveniently, and onlywhen they need it, via the aforementioned QR code communicationprocedure.

Thus it will be seen that, in one preferred form of the invention, thepresent invention uses four major technologies which, when combined, actas a system to provide for a universal means for humans to easilyinterface with, and take full control of, substantially any standaloneequipment (i.e., working devices) without having to use built-in displayscreens, built-in touchscreens and/or built-in keyboards for eachworking device used. Using this invention can have the positive effectof lowering costs associated with machine development and productionwhile offering users a familiar, simple and standard graphical interfacewhich each user can feel comfortable with, and for a plurality ofdevices, while increasing the safety of use.

These Four Major Technologies are:

1. A light, preferably a ring of light circling the entire workingdevice, which will act as a simple man-machine interface, equipped oneach machine, offering a universal means of visual communication, evenfor color-blind operators, thereby increasing safety. By way of examplebut not limitation, when solid, the ring of light tells an observer thatthe working device is working within the manufacturer's technicalparameters and, when flashing (and, optionally, with a correspondingaudio alarm) tells an observer that normal operating conditions havechanged and therefore requires a user to take full control of thatworking device.

2. A device-specific QR code label, affixed on the front of the workingdevice which is to be controlled and/or monitored, acting as a simpleand universal gateway into the working device via a scanner-equippedhandheld unit offering the advantage of automatically linking up to theworking device's specific IP address, or other means of bi-directionalcommunication protocol, without having to be previously informed of theworking device's specific wireless communication access procedure (e.g.,WIFI, RFID, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.).

3. An embedded web service technology directly integrated into theworking device allowing the entire control dashboard of the workingdevice to be virtualized in order to be linked up directly to a handhelddevice screen such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, smart glasses,laptop, etc. Once the handheld unit has scanned the device-specific QRcode label affixed to the working device, the user can nowbi-directionally, and freely, monitor and/or control that workingdevice, or any other working device equipped with this set oftechnologies.

4. A handheld unit equipped with an optical recognition apparatus andweb browser which, once linked up to the working device's bi-directionalcontrol virtual dashboard via a web service, as described above, allowsany user with any optical recognition-equipped handheld device (such asa smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, smart glasses, a laptop, etc.) tolocally take the control of any working device anywhere via thehandheld's device web browser and/or specific program and/or softwareapplication (“app”, “applet”, etc.), allowing a bi-directional controlof the working device, thereby rendering unnecessary the provision oftraditional embedded screens, touchscreens and/or keyboards on eachworking device to be controlled.

Thus it will be seen that, since intelligent and powerful personalhandheld units is rapidly becoming the norm, the QR code communicationprocedure of the present invention can be used to take full advantage ofthese new technologies to universally allow anyone, anywhere, to locallytake control of, and/or monitor, substantially any working device as theneed arises.

Alternatives to QR Codes

In the foregoing disclosure, the present invention is discussed in thecontext of using QR codes to link a specific working device to ahandheld unit (such as a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, smartglasses, a laptop, etc.) via a network connection. QR codes aregenerally preferred since they are designed to be scanned andautomatically link a web browser to a central control system (e.g., acentral server). However, if desired, other machine-readableidentification elements may be used instead of, or in addition to, QRcodes. By way of example but not limitation, such other machine-readableidentification elements may include barcodes, alphanumeric symbols,radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, near field communication(NFC) tags, etc.

Modifications

While the present invention has been described in terms of certainexemplary preferred embodiments, it will be readily understood andappreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, andthat many additions, deletions and modifications may be made to thepreferred embodiments discussed herein without departing from the scopeof the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for transforming the air exchange loadof a higher air exchange rate space into the air exchange load of alower air exchange rate space, said apparatus comprising: a housing formounting to a surface of the higher air exchange rate space; an airinlet formed in said housing; at least one air outlet formed in saidhousing; a passageway extending through said housing and connecting saidair inlet to said at least one air outlet; a circulation fan disposed insaid passageway so as to draw the air of the higher air exchange ratespace into said air inlet, through said passageway, and return that airto the higher air exchange rate space through said at least one airoutlet; and a filter disposed in said passageway for purging noxioussubstances from the air passing through said passageway, whereby totransform the air exchange load of a higher air exchange rate space intothe air exchange load of a lower air exchange rate space.
 2. A methodfor handling the air exchange load of a higher air exchange rate spacein a building having an air exchange system, said method comprising:providing apparatus for transforming the air exchange load of a higherair exchange rate space into the air exchange load of a lower airexchange rate space, said apparatus comprising: a housing for mountingto a surface of the higher air exchange rate space; an air inlet formedin said housing; at least one air outlet formed in said housing; apassageway extending through said housing and connecting said air inletto said at least one air outlet; a circulation fan disposed in saidpassageway so as to draw the air of the higher air exchange rate spaceinto said air inlet, through said passageway, and return that air to thehigher air exchange rate space through said at least one air outlet; anda filter disposed in said passageway for purging noxious substances fromthe air passing through said passageway; positioning said apparatus inthe higher air exchange rate space, and operating said apparatus so asto transform the air exchange load of a higher air exchange rate spaceinto the air exchange load of a lower air exchange rate space; andoperating the air exchange system of the building so as to provide alower air exchange rate to the higher air exchange rate space. 3.Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said housing is configured forsecurement to at least one of a ceiling and wall of the higher airexchange rate space.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidhousing is configured for securement to the ceiling of the higher airexchange rate space, wherein the ceiling is a drop-down ceiling, andfurther wherein a portion of the housing extends into the region abovethe drop-down ceiling.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidfilter is configured to remove chemicals from the air of the higher airexchange rate space.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein saidfilter is configured to remove at least one of solvents, acids, andbases from the air of the higher air exchange rate space.
 7. Apparatusaccording to claim 6 wherein said filter is configured to remove atleast two of solvents, acids, and bases from the air of the higher airexchange rate space.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidfilter is received in a tray which is hingedly connected to saidhousing.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising at leastone sensor for monitoring proper function of at least one of said fanand said filter.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 9 further comprisingan alarm connected to said at least one sensor for indicatingmalfunction of at least one of said fan and said filter.
 11. Apparatusaccording to claim 10 wherein said alarm is an audible alarm. 12.Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said alarm is a visual,light-based alarm.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidapparatus transforms the air exchange load of an 8-12 air exchanges perhour space into the air exchange load of a 2-4 air exchanges per hourspace.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising at leastone sensor for monitoring the ambient air of the higher air exchangerate space.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising analarm connected to said at least one sensor for indicating if the airquality of the ambient air of the higher air exchange rate spacedeteriorates below a predetermined air quality level.
 16. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 further comprising at least one first sensor formonitoring proper function of at least one of said fan and said filter,at least one second sensor for monitoring the ambient air of the higherair exchange rate space, and an alarm connected to said at least onefirst sensor and said at least one second sensor for indicating theoccurrence of at least one from the group consisting of a malfunction ofat least one of said fan and said filter, and deterioration of the airquality of the ambient air of the higher air exchange rate space below apredetermined air quality level.
 17. Apparatus according to claim 16wherein said alarm is a visual, light-based alarm.
 18. Apparatusaccording to claim 17 wherein said visual, light-based alarm comprises aband of light mounted to said housing.
 19. Apparatus according to claim18 wherein said visual, light-based alarm indicates the occurrence of anevent by changing the color of said band of light.
 20. Apparatusaccording to claim 18 wherein said visual, light-based alarm indicatesthe occurrence of an event by blinking said band of light.
 21. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said filter is configured to remove atleast one of fumes, vapors and volatiles from the air of the higher airexchange rate space.
 22. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein saidhigher air exchange rate space is in a building, and said at least onesensor is connected to an air exchange system of the building housingthe higher air exchange rate space, such that in the event of amalfunction of at least one of said fan and said filter, the airexchange system of the building can increase the air exchange rate ofthe higher air exchange rate space.
 23. Apparatus according to claim 12wherein said visual, light-based alarm comprises a band of light mountedto said housing and the visual light-based alarm indicates theoccurrence of an event by blinking said band of light.
 24. A methodaccording to claim 2 wherein said housing is configured for securementto at least one of a ceiling and wall of the higher air exchange ratespace.
 25. A method according to claim 2 wherein said housing isconfigured for securement to the ceiling of the higher air exchange ratespace, wherein the ceiling is a drop-down ceiling, and further wherein aportion of the housing extends into the region above the drop-downceiling.
 26. A method according to claim 2 wherein said filter isconfigured to remove chemicals from the air of the higher air exchangerate space.
 27. A method according to claim 2 wherein said filter isconfigured to remove at least one of fumes, vapors and volatiles fromthe air of the higher air exchange rate space.
 28. A method according toclaim 26 wherein said filter is configured to remove at least one ofsolvents, acids, and bases from the air of the higher air exchange ratespace.
 29. A method according to claim 28 wherein said filter isconfigured to remove at least two of solvents, acids, and bases from theair of the higher air exchange rate space.
 30. A method according toclaim 2 wherein said filter is received in a tray which is hingedlyconnected to said housing.
 31. A method according to claim 2 furthercomprising at least one sensor for monitoring proper function of atleast one of said fan and said filter.
 32. A method according to claim31 further comprising an alarm connected to said at least one sensor forindicating malfunction of at least one of said fan and said filter. 33.A method according to claim 32 wherein said alarm is an audible alarm.34. A method according to claim 32 wherein said alarm is a visual,light-based alarm.
 35. A method according to claim 34 wherein saidvisual, light-based alarm comprises a band of light mounted to saidhousing and the visual light-based alarm indicates the occurrence of anevent by blinking said band of light.
 36. A method according to claim 2wherein said apparatus transforms the air exchange load of an 8-12 airexchanges per hour space into the air exchange load of a 2-4 airexchanges per hour space.
 37. A method according to claim 2 furthercomprising at least one sensor for monitoring the ambient air of thehigher air exchange rate space.
 38. A method according to claim 31wherein said higher air exchange rate space is in a building, and saidat least one sensor is connected to an air exchange system of thebuilding housing the higher air exchange rate space, such that in theevent of a malfunction of at least one of said fan and said filter, theair exchange system of the building can increase the air exchange rateof the higher air exchange rate space.
 39. A method according to claim37 further comprising an alarm connected to said at least one sensor forindicating if the air quality of the ambient air of the higher airexchange rate space deteriorates below a predetermined air qualitylevel.
 40. A method according to claim 2 further comprising at least onefirst sensor for monitoring proper function of at least one of said fanand said filter, at least one second sensor for monitoring the ambientair of the higher air exchange rate space, and an alarm connected tosaid at least one first sensor and said at least one second sensor forindicating the occurrence of at least one from the group consisting of amalfunction of at least one of said fan and said filter, anddeterioration of the air quality of the ambient air of the higher airexchange rate space below a predetermined air quality level.
 41. Amethod according to claim 40 wherein said alarm is a visual, light-basedalarm.
 42. A method according to claim 41 wherein said visual,light-based alarm comprises a band of light mounted to said housing. 43.A method according to claim 42 wherein said visual, light-based alarmindicates the occurrence of an event by changing the color of said bandof light.
 44. A method according to claim 42 wherein said visual,light-based alarm indicates the occurrence of an event by blinking saidband of light.